The Nissan 350Z

1:39pm Friday 11th July 2008

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NISSAN doesn’t seem to care too much for the softly-softly approach to performance cars. With the 350Z, it’s in-your-face entertainment with every sinew of the sleek exterior conveying speed and excitement.

Arguably, there is no better looking car on British roads, whatever angle you glimpse it from, and this is certainly one of the best-ever Z coupes the company has built.

Not only does it turn heads wherever it goes, but it goes like the proverbial clappers, too, with its all-alloy 3.5-litre V6 motor bursting with health.

This is the modern interpretation of the legendary Z car that still sports a fabulous shape on the road today.

The newly-developed V6 is the only engine available for the 350Z but it’s enough, pushing out a whopping 313PS for a top speed, electronically restricted to 155mph and with a 0-62mph sprint time of 5.7 seconds.

You’ll be grateful for the engine limiter because this car piles on the speed very easily and you could end up in trouble with the law! The engine sounds great and whether you like it or not you’ll hear its soundtrack when the car is stirred by the chunky six-speed manual gearbox.

This stiff chassis and firm ride means that the car hates bumps and ridges so there can be rather raw driving thrills in abundance.

However, with its excellent traction, high-speed stability and mid-corner balance, the steering brims with feedback so that you know exactly what the car is up to. Give the Nissan its head and it all comes together brilliantly.

Such is the response of the motor that a gear change can mean a pleasing and forceful shove in your back.

The powerful brakes impress at speed and, combined with the swiftly acting gearbox and fast throttle response, the 350Z inspires a lot of confidence.

As with most sports and performance cars, space is a snag. In the cabin there is plenty of room but the rear area is bisected by a robust strut-brace.

However, the luggage space is fair and, according to Nissan, holds two golf bags – there is even a sticker showing how to get them in. Useful are the several roomy storage lockers. While not littered with an abundance of equipment, the interior is beautifully finished with the seats getting top marks for comfort, support and adjustment.

There is a look of quality about the interior with the dash having special treatment with its dials backed by silver rings and the famous Z-cars trademark boldly displayed on the leather steering wheel boss.

The 350Z is a car many can live with. It’s great value when you compare it with the competition and even with the present high fuel prices it is not that expensive to run, as more than 30mpg is obtainable with sensible driving.

There are four versions – two coupes, one with a GT pack, and two convertibles, one also with a GT pack. Prices start at £26,795 for the coupe.

The 350Z should maintain its excellent residual values when the time comes to sell. The GT model is the favourite, especially on the second-hand market, and provides a wealth of equipment, including six airbags, traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, climate control air conditioning, bi-xenon headlamps, cruise control and a radio-cassette with a six-CD in-dash changer.